Poland has emerged as the top importer of Taiwanese drones, absorbing nearly 60% of Taiwan’s exports this year as it rebuilds unmanned capabilities with non-Chinese parts and expands production near the war in Ukraine. Taiwan’s Ahamani says Polish demand is strong enough to justify a local factory, while Polish officials deepen procurement and coordination for unmanned systems amid persistent cross-border drone threats.

Why It Matters

Poland’s tilt toward Taiwanese components reflects a broader European effort to secure non-Chinese supply chains for critical defense technology, particularly motors and batteries—parts that have faced tightening controls and scrutiny since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Taiwan’s drone exports climbed to about US$32 million through August, with Poland the dominant buyer; earlier customs data also showed Poland accounting for more than half of Taiwan’s first-half shipments.

Factory Plan in Poland

Ahamani’s chief executive, Kung Tzu-chi, says the company is planning a Polish plant as “Europe is a very important market in the drone industry” and “Poland is a key gateway and base for us.” He adds that global makers are hunting for non-Chinese supply chains, leaving motors and batteries in short supply. The firm has fielded interest from other foreign drone companies for Taiwan-made motors.

Poland’s Drone Push and Ukraine Link

Poland’s industry has accelerated since 2022, with WB Group (parent of WB Electronics) reporting surging revenues and expanding sales to Ukraine. A Polish industry chamber official, Justyna Siekierczak, says closer ties with Taiwan are “very good news,” arguing Warsaw must be ready to “increase our production capacity” as hybrid threats grow. Proximity to Ukraine lets Polish companies test equipment “on the battlefield,” she adds.

Supply Chains Without China

Polish firms say Taiwan helps backfill components after China curbed some sales to Western markets. Farada Group’s operations director, Joanna Rutkowska, notes the company replaced Chinese parts with “secure sources” to meet U.S. standards; FlyFocus’s CEO, Igor Skawiński, says Taiwan fills gaps when European parts are too expensive. Both point to Taiwan-made motors and batteries as credible equivalents.